Among dark wizards, many had never received systematic magical education. Those who had master-apprentice traditions were better off because at least they had a teacher who could instruct them in some magic. The self-taught ones without even a teacher had it even worse, as magic that was readily available in schools required tremendous effort for them to obtain.
These dark wizards included those from small countries without magical schools or ministries of magic, local British master-apprentice inheritors, and some who, due to various other reasons or accidents, had not entered Hogwarts to study but had entered the wizarding world as dark wizards relying on their innate magical power.
Some of these dark wizards worshipped the fact that magical creatures could naturally possess powerful magical abilities and had developed methods of using magical creature blood or other body parts to magically transform themselves and gain power. Even in the eyes of other dark wizards, this approach was considered heretical and looked down upon, but while they despised it, they had to admit that this method could allow an ordinary dark wizard to gain considerable power and leap to become a powerhouse among dark wizards.
At this moment, when Sean lifted that obstructing dark wizard with one hand, he was immediately recognized by the surrounding dark wizards as someone who had taken this heretical path.
Of course, while they might look down on it in their hearts, when facing the strong, one still had to cower when necessary.
"Please, please forgive me. I'll take, take you to the Black Hat. I'll take you there immediately, to the Black Hat!"
Hearing this, Sean loosened his grip slightly, and the man immediately fell back to the ground. He coughed repeatedly, tears and snot flowing, looking at Sean with fear and wariness written all over his face.
Looking down at him, Sean's face showed a smile as refreshing as a spring breeze, but in that man's eyes, this smile was even more terrifying than before. His body trembled slightly, obviously terrified to the extreme.
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. Come, stand up and lead the way for me."
Trembling as he stood up from the ground, the man supported himself against the wall, not daring to say much, and led Sean and Aldrich toward the Black Hat.
Knockturn Alley was larger than imagined, and precisely because of its size, it attracted a huge number of dark wizards to settle here, making it impossible for the Ministry's Aurors to clear out the dark wizards. Otherwise, if Knockturn Alley were just one street or a small alley, the Ministry's Aurors would have cleaned it out seventeen or eighteen times already.
Sean's purpose in coming to Knockturn Alley this time was to meet with Malo.
Due to the crimes committed in Hogsmeade previously, Malo and his dark wizards were wanted by the Ministry. Although they later threw out two dark wizards who had been most resistant to the Imperius Curse to take the blame, the Ministry's Aurors had been secretly investigating and tracking Malo and his group.
If it hadn't been for Barrett, the victim, assisting from the side and minimizing the suspicious points about Malo and his group, they might not have been able to escape the Aurors' investigation.
So from that time on, except for secretly meeting Malo once to deepen the Imperius Curse control, Sean had no contact whatsoever with Malo and his group. This meeting was scheduled according to their previous arrangement.
The Black Hat tavern had existed in Knockturn Alley for many years, even when many of the dark wizards of Knockturn Alley had changed countless generations, yet it had always remained.
Compared to the recently risen Dragon's Blood of the past ten years, the Black Hat could be considered quite historic.
In the damp, dark alley, many dark wizards lurked, and in the center of these alleys filled with dark wizards, a weathered wooden sign full of cracks hung on the wall. A black wizard's hat could vaguely be seen on it, this was the famous Black Hat tavern in Knockturn Alley.
Looking at the dark wizards lurking in that damp, dark alley, the dark wizard who had led Sean and Aldrich showed a trace of fear on his face. He looked at Sean tremblingly, pursed his lips, and showed a fawning smile: "Sir, the Black Hat is just ahead. I, I've already led you here. Can I go now?"
Glancing at the dark wizards lurking in the alley and then at this guide, Sean naturally knew he was afraid of those dark wizards stationed outside the Black Hat tavern.
Looking at him with a half-smile, Sean shook his head and said, "That won't do. We haven't reached the Black Hat yet. Continue leading the way for us."
"No, no, no, no, even if you beat me to death, I won't..."
Before he could finish his nonsense, Sean suddenly kicked out. The man was still in a daze when he found his body flying through the air, passing over many malicious-looking dark wizards, and face-planting onto the damp, dirty cobblestone ground of the alley.
At this moment, the dark wizards lurking around grinned and looked toward Sean and Aldrich, completely ignoring the guy sprawled on the ground.
Sean and Aldrich showed no fear whatsoever. The two of them walked straight into the alley, heading toward the Black Hat's entrance.
It was a very short stretch of road. Sean appeared to have no particular reaction, still wearing that faint smile on his face, but in reality his vigilance had been raised to the maximum. If anything unexpected happened, he would act immediately.
Unlike Sean, Aldrich's expression had become completely serious, his right hand resting on his waist. If anyone threatened Sean, he would act immediately. Facing these dark wizards, Aldrich was confident he could get Sean out of here.
Someone specifically requested by Borell naturally wouldn't be simple.
Perhaps the dark wizards here could tell that Sean and Aldrich were not to be trifled with, or perhaps there were rules here that prevented them from acting. In any case, when Sean reached the Black Hat's entrance, none of the dark wizards here made a move. Seeing this, Sean breathed a sigh of relief.
It wasn't that he was cowardly, it's just that he felt that since he loved peace so much, it was better not to fight if possible.
Aldrich reached out to push open the door, and Sean walked straight in.
Unlike the dark, damp environment outside, the Black Hat tavern was not only brightly lit but also very clean and tidy, giving one a dry and comfortable feeling. It really didn't resemble what Sean had imagined a tavern located in Knockturn Alley would be like.
There weren't many people in the Black Hat just four or five tables scattered about with patrons. Sean looked around and walked directly to one of the tables where a witch was sitting, taking a seat. Aldrich stood behind Sean, eyes observing nose, nose observing heart, quietly maintaining vigilance.